How do I disinfect a water cooler?

Question

I have an electric 5 gallon water cooler and I noticed a little bit of green slime inside the water reservoir. It it safe to just wipe it clean? Should I disinfect it? With what? Thanks

Answer 1

Is this the kind with the big plastic jug of water that you put upside down on the top to refill? If so, I'd wipe the green algae off as much as possible. You might be able to use long pipe cleaners to reach down inside where you can't get a paper towel or rag. Try to reach up from the spigot that way, too.

After that, I'd get a pitcher of water with a healthy splash of chlorine bleach to rinse out everything. Pour it into the top, and put a cup or bucket below to catch it as it comes through. This will help sterilize any place you can't get to. If you keep the valve closed, can you pour the water/bleach mix in and let it stand for a few minutes? This will let it kill anything that might be in there. Then rinse well with clean water before you use it to get rid of the chlorine taste.

Answer 2

Use sea salt. About 2 table spoons in to a 1 liter bottle of water is the best mix. It creates a very mild saline, that will help to pull out bacteria and promote cell growth. Just pour it directly on or apply with a sterile gauze 2-3 times a day. I wouldn't go globbing on any ointments, it is better that you let the woulds breath a bit. I am a body piercer and even recommend that for healing piercings. I use this mix on everything!

Answer 3

Take a little bit of bleach, mixed with water that will do it then rinse it real good

Answer 4

1 tablespoon of bleach to every gal. of water let it sit for an hour. rinse well.

Answer 5

I think I'd use bleach mixed with water.

Answer 6

use vinegar and warm water to clean the reservoir. clean it like you would a coffeemaker.

Answer 7

How much would a new one cost you and how long have you had that one ? .. Throw it out and get a new one ! Good Luck ! :)